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MAJOR NEWS: IRON HORSE LICENSES ELLSWORTH SUSPENSION

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Just randomly searching around the internet this morning when i came across this article on the Bicycle Retailer website. It appears that Iron Horse bikes have bought the rights to use Ellsworth bikes ‘Instant Centre Tracking (ICT) suspension design’. It makes for some interesting reading, especially when you remember that as from March 31st 2009 Iron Horse will no longer be able to use the dw-LInk suspension design. But we have spoken to the guys at Iron Horse UK and they tell us that there will be a complete range of dw-Link bikes for 2009, so there are no changes yet and no switch over of suspension platform for the next 12 months. But it does look like we will be seeing a whole new range from IH for 2010 which will be based around the ICT design. Iron Horse will be making it their own thing, so don’t for one minute think that they are going to be bolting Ellsworth back ends onto Sundays.

Iron Horse will introduce the four-bar fully active suspension design to its 2010 line, which will include cross-country, freeride and downhill platforms.

“The folks at Iron Horse share my vision for building bikes with real, proven suspension technology, rather then concocting some gimmick to market for another few years before the next new gimmick,” said Anthony Ellsworth, founder and patent holder of Ellsworth’s ICT technology. The ICT system will improve efficiency, traction control, bump absorption and overall ride quality.

“Ellsworth and Iron Horse agree that the sport of mountain biking grows when folks have a fabulous ride experience on great performing frame designs. ICT-equipped full suspension designs perform better, have more energy and great comfort, traction and control then any other suspension design,” Ellsworth said. “We believe folks having that level of experience will ride more and tell a friend, and there will be more folks riding bikes, promoting health and appreciating our planet in an environmentally responsible and healthy way.”

Iron Horse’s license for the DW Link, which was used on Iron Horse’s downhill, freeride, all-mountain, trail and cross-country bikes in its 2008 line, and for several years before, expires on March 31, 2009.

Dave Weagle, the inventor of the DW Link, decided last July not to renew the license with Iron Horse. Pivot, Ibis and Independent Fabrication also hold licenses for the DW Link, and Weagle is expected to name a fourth licensee next month.

“This is a very exciting time for our product development department. We are looking forward to creating unique frame platforms that carry forward Iron Horse’s renowned ride characteristics. The goal is to incorporate the key qualities from our existing models with benefits of the ICT system.” Accettella said. “We are committed to produce well-engineered, World Cup quality performance bikes.”

Iron Horse chief executive officer Cliff Weidberg announced earlier this summer that would pull out of the independent bicycle dealer channel. As of Sept. 1, Iron Horse will sell its high-end bikes exclusively the Randall Scott Cycle Company, an online outlet with a showroom in Boulder, Colorado.

For more information on Iron Horse’s ICT license, be sure to read the October issue of Bicycle Retailer and Industry News.

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